BAXTER — Emily Beltran registered a hat trick and the Brainerd Warriors snapped a 3-game streak of ties with a 3-1 Central Lakes Conference win over the Fergus Falls Otters Tuesday at Southdale Field.
Beltran scored twice in the first half. Her third goal, with less than eight minutes to play, gave Brainerd insurance.
Ally Smith assisted on two Brainerd goals.
“The beginning of the game was well-played, then we got a little sloppy and it turned into a game of kickball, which is pretty typical when you play a team that plays drop and send soccer,” Warriors coach Ricky Lacerte said. “For a team like ours that plays pretty methodical, with a passing and central attacking plan, it’s hard to adjust to that type of play.
“Our players play hard all the time. They are relentless and keep pushing and pushing until they win and that’s what we did tonight.”
“Emily had a great game, but it really stems from mid-field play. Maddie Hastings played a great game at midfield and that’s where it starts.”
Fergus Falls 1 0 — 1
Brainerd 2 1 — 3
First half: B-Emily Beltran (Ally Smith) 2:16; FF-Lauren Norgren 9:23; B-Beltran (Ally Smith) 16:45
Second half: B-Beltran (Haley Campbell) 72:32
Shots on goal: FF 4, Brd 14
Goalkeepers: FF-Rachel Heidorn (11 saves); Brd-Heather Campbell (3 saves)
Conference: Brd 3-0-3. Overall: Brd 3-0-3. Next: Brainerd at Willmar 5 p.m. Thursday.
